The Purge and Trap Autosampler: Suggestions for Selecting the Right Model

A purge and trap autosampler assists scientists analyze trace level compounds in various substances. Substances that a purge and trap inlet prepares for chromatographic analysis consist of: paint and other coatings, cosmetics, meals, soil, and water. The purging and trapping process is commonly performed on samples that are tested for Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs), which are carbon-primarily based substances that vaporize at area temperature, and are known to trigger wellness problems. When a sample is ready for analysis, it undergoes the following method:

- The autosampler areas the sample in the column inlet- Carrier gas bubbles via the sample to free the compounds- The compounds are trapped on the absorbent material of the column- The column heats until the compounds vaporize- The compounds travel via carrier gas into the gas chromotograph

All autosamplers that are developed for purging and trapping carry out this method, but different models supply distinct levels of efficiency. Under are tips for choosing a purge and trap autosampler for the evaluation of VOCs and other trace level compounds:

Contemplate Getting Used Equipment

Buying employed lab equipment is a intelligent selection. In spite of costing significantly less than new equipment, utilized lab equipment frequently performs like new. This is simply because most lab equipment is used non-strenuously and is well maintained. Since some organizations frequently replace lab equipment to preserve funding, it is feasible to discover pre-owned equipment that is primarily new.

Evaluate Mechanical Robustness

The traditional weak spot of a purge and trap autosampler is the arm that transports samples to the concentrator. Ideally, the arm must be reinforced to avoid loose operation and sagging. Another important mechanical element is the injection mechanism. Injectors that rely on syringes typically encounter a lot more errors than other injectors. As a result, choosing a model that does not use syringes is suggested.

Evaluate Carryover Prevention

Because purge and trap autosamplers process samples that include trace level compounds, locating an autosampler that has an outstanding method for carryover prevention is important. Keeping the water in the pathway hot by using a hot water rinse in a fixed loop, and flushing the soil needle and transfer line with P&T Bake gas are effective techniques for preventing carryover.

Evaluate Analytical Overall performance

A high-efficiency autosampler normally features a programmable, electronic delivery of 1ul-100ul with out the need for priming. These qualities define an IS/Surr delivery program that is acceptable for professional laboratories.

Choose Equipment for Soil and Water Samples

Simply because Gas Chromatography (GC) is used to analyze strong and liquid samples, picking an autosampler with a tray that holds both solid and liquid samples is beneficial. Picking gear that holds each samples also helps laboratories economize on space and money by possessing 1 autosampler for each varieties of samples as an alternative of splitting them among two units.